Mercedes-Benz Canada reports its best July ever and year-to-date growth of
18%

TORONTO, Aug. 4 /CNW/ - Mercedes-Benz Canada reported today that the company achieved its best July on record. A total of 2,102 Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and luxury light trucks were retailed in July, up 6.3%. A YTD total of 16,395 vehicles have now been retailed so far this year, ahead by 17.6% compared to the 2009 results.

At the end of seven months, total passenger car sales have shown a gain of 16.7% or 1,419 units, while luxury light truck sales increased by 18.9% or 1,029 units.

Strong B-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class and GLK-Class model sales contributed to July's successful results. With a sales increase of 18.8% for the month and 32.7% year-to-date, the S-Class continues to distinguish itself in the high-end luxury category. In addition, sales of the B-Class and the SL-Class were ahead by a notable 17.3% and 47.1% respectively for the month.

The diesel take rate was 80.1% for the month, while permanent all-wheel drive 4MATIC(TM) units accounted for 67.0% of the overall passenger car and light truck sales in July (excluding smart).

smart reported a total of 180 units delivered in July. The smart brand has retailed a total of 1,299 vehicles year-to-date.

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter sales continued to grow across Canada with 120 units delivered for the month.

The extraordinary brand-shaping SLS AMG is now steadily arriving in dealerships across the country. Fifty-nine units have already been retailed so far which clearly underlines the brand's leading position and dominating strength in the super sports car category.

A total of 2,402 units were sold for the Mercedes-Benz Group for a best July ever. This now brings our YTD growth to 18.7% for an additional 2,887 units sold in the first seven months.

Mercedes-Benz Pre-owned sales reported their best July ever with a total of 895 vehicles delivered for the month. This represents an increase of 16.5% or 127 units compared to July 2009, and overall growth of 26.8% or 1,250 vehicles for national Pre-owned sales year-to-date.

"From the versatile B-Class to our fuel efficient range of BlueTEC clean diesel models and the myriad of vehicle options in the high-end and performance categories, our strong sales results reflect the fact that our diverse product portfolio remains extremely competitive and very well-positioned in every segment," said Marcus Breitschwerdt, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada. "Our formula for sustained sales growth is not limited to our fascinating vehicle range. The catalyst to our continued growth is the commitment of all our employees and dealers across Canada, and they are all commended for their hard work and ongoing efforts to ensure that our brands are synonymous with an unmatched ownership experience in the automotive industry."

About Mercedes-Benz Canada

Mercedes-Benz Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of the four brands within the Mercedes-Benz Group in Canada: Mercedes-Benz, smart, AMG, and Maybach. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. employs approximately 1,250 people in 19 locations across Canada. Through a nationwide network of 14 Mercedes-Benz owned retail operations and 39 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 26,942 vehicles in 2009, the best year ever reported for Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.

Further information from Mercedes-Benz is available on the internet at: www.media.mercedes-benz.ca

For further information: JoAnne Caza, 416-847-7550, [email protected]; Michael Minielly, 416-847-7509, [email protected]